After the first attempt went a little awry with the slick paper, Union Academy principal Brenda Hardman successfully cuts the ribbon as Union Academy officially became a member of the Bartow Chamber of Commerce. With her in this picture are some of the 20 or so people in the ribbon cutting. From left is: Jen Daniels, Michell Githens, Union Academy Vice Principal Alonzo Williams, Bartow Vice Mayor Pat Huff and Bartow Chamber President and Polk County Assistant County Manager Lea Ann Thomas.

PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW

Chamber President Lea Ann Thomas, speaks Wednesday at the ribbon cutting about Union's tradition and the pride people have for it as she introduced some of the alum who showed up for the ribbon cutting. Behind them, some are Anngarnetta Woodruff (wearing white shirt), Joyce Thurman and George Sabb. On the left side of Woodruff is Union Principal Brenda Hardman.

PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW

Bartow Vice Mayor Pat Huff points out that Bartow now has two IB schools Wednesday when he spoke at the ribbon cutting where the school became a member of the Bartow Chamber of Commerce.

PHOTO BY JEFF ROSLOW

Community members who showed up for the Great American Teach-In Wednesday at Union, Myrtice Young, the historic preservation manager at the Polk County History Museum and past Chamber president, and SFC Lloyd Harris, an instructor at Summerlin Academy, bow their heads during prayer Wednesday.

By JEFF ROSLOW

jroslow@heartlandnewspapers.com

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Union Academy’s tradition in Bartow was recalled by a few voices Wednesday as it became the latest member of the Bartow Chamber of Commerce.

Existing since 1923 as a black school until 1969, it has a history of producing well known people and has recently has become one of two non-high schools in the county to be known as an International Baccalaureate school.

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